We are four brothers in this world and we're all born together.
The first one runs and never wearies.
The second eats and is never full.
The third drinks and is ever thirsty,
The fourth sings a song that is barely heard.

Hi Everybody,
I also agree that the teaser was somewhat too easy. My answer for the first brother was Time rather than Water. I think Water is inaccurate, for though it does run but it wearies when the source dries out. Time on the other hand runs and does not weary because it does not depend on a source.

Well, I'm glad so many liked it. I like it except for: they are all born together. That just totally threw me off, because I don't know how they are supposed to be born together. I knew there was a fifth element also, wood, that two others mentioned. I got water, but like I said: "born together..." stopped me froom getting the whole thing. Nonetheless, I liked how it was written. Thanks!

I think some people are hitting a "bump in the road", namely that they are thinking of the four elements as the item itself. The element "Water" does not only refer to what we drink or swim in, but rather the overall idea of fluidity and cohesion. Earth is the idea of solidity and foundation, Fire as energy and combustion, Air as motion, vibration and pressure. Life could not exist without all four, thus they are brothers and must be "born together" to create life.

I somewhat argue Wood or Metal as base elements as they must be created through all four of the other elements. However, that is just my own opinion.

Chidam this was great! Very nice job! Can't claim any native American blood, but I used to enjoy Earth Wind and Fire music so it was just a quick thought of what ran and water fit the bill. I also enjoyed the explanation of brotherhood and birth. Keep them coming.

Great riddle! I loved it, even though I got it right away. Of course, I only got it because the same riddle in slightly longer verse appears in a Chinese mythology book I have.

As for the four brothers born at the same time, the book I have explains that when the giant of creation, Pangu, died: his breath became the god of the wind; his flesh became the god of earth and soil; his blood became the god of waters; and his spirit became the god of fire.

Side note: nowhere in my book does it mention any goddesses. Can we say male ego dominance?